A Worcester man who slashed his ex-girlfriend's new lover with a craft knife has been given an indeterminate sentence.

Luke Daly left Matthew Drew with four neck wounds and severe scars.

Judge Andrew Geddes said the victim could easily have been killed if the blade had severed his jugular vein.

He told 28-year-old Daly, of Linden Road, Tolladine, that he must serve a minimum of three years in jail before he is considered for parole.

The judge said Daly had drunk heavily before the incident and added: "You represent a significant risk to the public of serious harm when in drink."

During a trial at Worcester Crown Court in March, the jury - who convicted Daly of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm - heard how Daly had burst into the home of Katie Niblett in Ambrose Close, Worcester, on September 21 last year, armed with the knife.

Daly kicked Miss Niblett before aiming a number of blows at Mr Drew with the knife. The victim was unable to work for some weeks due to his injuries.

The defendant said he had a knife after being attacked with an axe and to help him conquer his fear of dogs.

He insisted he acted because he thought he might be hit in the face where he had a metal plate inserted after a car crash.

Daly had five previous convictions for violence including a robbery where he threatened a barmaid with a carving knife.

Abigail Nixon, defending, said Daly had abused alcohol since the age of 12, had a history of self-harm and suffered long-term problems.

Miss Nixon said the crash left him with paranoia and physical injuries including partial facial paralysis, impaired hearing and the loss of sight in one eye.